Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation

If surgery is on your horizon, the preparation you do before the procedure matters just as much as the recovery after. Pre-surgical physical therapy – commonly called “pre-hab” – is one of the most effective ways to improve surgical outcomes, shorten recovery time, and get you back to full function faster. At Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab, our physical therapists at our South Shreveport, North Shreveport, and South Bossier clinics will build a personalized pre-hab program designed around your specific procedure and goals.

What Is Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy?

Pre-surgical physical therapy is a structured rehabilitation program completed before your operation. Research increasingly supports beginning physical therapy four to six weeks prior to surgery, with studies showing it can significantly reduce recovery time and improve postoperative outcomes. Surgeons across specialties are recommending pre-hab more than ever – and for good reason.

The stronger, more flexible, and more conditioned your body is going into surgery, the better positioned you are to heal quickly and completely on the other side. 

Why Pre-Hab Works

Surgery places significant physical stress on the body. The National Institutes of Health recognizes that exercise therapy before surgery improves postoperative outcomes – and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) confirms that pre-hab can improve patient outcomes while reducing long-term healthcare costs.

6 Key Benefits of Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy

There are six specific ways physical therapy can help prior to receiving surgery:

  • Build Stamina – Surgery is followed by a temporary loss of strength and endurance. Prehab minimizes that decline by improving your baseline conditioning before you ever go under the knife.
  • Reduce Pain – Your physical therapist will use targeted techniques – including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and thermal treatments – to decrease pain levels leading up to your procedure.
  • Improve Surgical Outcomes – The stronger and more mobile you are going into surgery, the higher the likelihood of a successful result. Pre-hab sets the foundation for a better outcome from day one.
  • Lower Risk of Complications – A structured exercise program strengthens the immune system and improves circulation, reducing the risk of post-surgical infection and other complications.
  • Shorten Recovery Time – Patients who complete pre-hab consistently experience faster recovery. Conditioned muscles and established movement patterns mean you return to normal life more quickly after surgery.
  • Potentially Avoid Surgery Altogether – In some cases, a focused physical therapy program produces enough improvement that surgery is no longer necessary. If your condition responds well to pre-hab, your physician may reassess the need for the procedure entirely.

What to Expect at Your Pre-Hab Appointments

Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation and design a program tailored to your procedure, your current physical condition, and your recovery goals. Treatment may include:

  • Strengthening exercises targeted to the muscles surrounding the surgical site
  • Range of motion and flexibility work
  • Manual therapy to reduce pain and improve joint mobility
  • Functional movement training to prepare you for post-surgical exercises
  • Education on what to expect during recovery and how to move safely after surgery

Start Pre-Hab as Early as Possible

The earlier you begin, the greater the benefit. Whether your surgery is scheduled or still being considered, now is the time to act. Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab has three convenient locations — South Shreveport, North Shreveport, and South Bossier, LA– ready to help you prepare your body and approach surgery with confidence.

Contact us today to request your pre-surgical physical therapy consultation.